21 Days of Prayer & Fasting - Clover Sites
HOW TO PRAY AND FAST? Definition of “Fasting:”
THE BENEFITS OF FASTING ARE NUMEROUS AND INCLUDE:
Going without food, water, or specific meals and activities for the purpose of spiritual renewal and focus. There are four types of fasts referred to in the Bible.
Deepened humility
Increased hunger for God to work
Intensified prayer concentration
Radically pursuing God’s vision and direction for His church and our lives
Heightened expectancy of faith and effectiveness in prayer
Greater receptivity to the Spirit of God at work within and through our lives
Earnestness and zeal to give oneself to God and live for the advance of His Kingdom
Normal fast- going without food for up to 40 days (Ex. 34:28; Ezra 8:21, 23: Dan. 6:18; Luke 2:37; Mark 2:18; Matt. 4:2; Acts 13:2-3, 14:23 and others) Partial fast- abstaining from certain foods (Daniel 10:3) Absolute fast- going without food or water no more than 3 days (Esther 4:16, this is very rare in the Bible) Voluntary group fast- called for a specific reason for a specific group of people (1 Samuel 7:6: 2; Chronicles 20:3; Jonah 3:5 and others)
Please Remember:
Fasting is not so much about food as it is about focus. Fasting is not so much about saying no to the body as it is about saying yes to the Spirit. Fasting is not about doing without, it is about looking within. Fasting is an outward response to an inward attitude and cry of the soul.
“Prayer is the one hand with which we grasp the Invisible; fasting the other, with which we let loose and cast away the visible.” Andrew Murray
“When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.” Matthew 6:16
21 Days of Prayer & Fasting Dear Grace Point family, As we enter a new year, I am excited to join with you in prayer for Grace Point’s future. We gather as a family to do God’s work, and it is imperative that we spend time with God seeking His will and His resources to carry out His will. Please consider adding a fast to your commitment to pray over the next three weeks. Fasting creates space for God to fill, and we need more of Him! You might choose to give up a particular food, or creature comfort, or form of entertainment as you ask God to guide and bless and reveal His will to us. In just three years we will begin the year 2020 – I am asking the Lord to reveal His 2020 Vision for us! The next several weeks is a key time to intercede for our leadership as staff and elders meet to dream about what God would have us do. Let’s join together to see many lives Raised from Ruins!
To hear a message on fasting go to www.gracepointpa.org and select November 20, 2016.
Dave Wolf, on behalf of the Grace Point Staff and Elders 592 Washington Crossing Road Newtown, PA 18940 215-968-2354 www.gracepointpa.org
Pray for Self - The Holiness of God in our Lives Day One – Sunday, January 15 Hunger: As you begin praying and fasting, pray that you would have a hunger for the things of God…His Word, His righteousness, His will. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” Matthew 5:6 Day Two – Monday, January 16 Repentance: Spend some time reflecting on your areas of weakness. Do you have unconfessed sin? Are there actions you need to change? Repentance means an internal change of heart that leads to an external change of action. Confess your sin and allow Christ to change your actions. “For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.” 2 Corinthians 7:10
Day Three – Tuesday, January 17 Brokenness: Fasting is certainly difficult…as a result brokenness is not only possible but expected. As you pray, allow God to break you as He desires. Remember that brokenness before God leads to a deeper understanding of blessedness in God. Please pray for today’s Staff Strategy Meeting as they evaluate GP strategic goals for the current year, and dream about what God has for the future. “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” Psalm 51:17 Day Four – Wednesday, January 18 Temptation: Prayer and fasting puts you in direct conflict with the enemy of this age, Satan. This battle is not about food, drink, or activity, but is a battle for the focus of your soul. Take a moment and ask the Lord to give you strength to endure temptation. “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” Ephesians 6:10-11 Day Five – Thursday, January 19 Grace: Grace is not only what we need for salvation, but it’s also extremely necessary for strength and focus. Grace not only saves…but delivers. Pray for an overwhelming understanding of God’s grace toward you. Please pray for the elders as they meet tonight – that God will give them hearts to love the Lord, minds to discern His will, and the will to obey. “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 Day Six – Friday, January 20 Faith: Faith isn’t merely realizing there is a better day ahead, it’s what’s necessary to get there. Pray for your faith to increase during this journey. Pray that our new President and other national leaders would lead by faith in the True God. “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” Hebrews 11:6 Day Seven – Saturday, January 21 Contentment: Fasting always reminds us of what we actually have. Food is readily available in our culture…in fact there is abundance. Learn contentment without complacency. Are you finding yourself content? “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.” Philippians 4:11-12
Pray for the Nations - The Glory of God throughout the World Day Eight – Sunday, January 22 United States and World Leaders: Pray for the President, Congress, and World Leaders…for peace and wisdom as they lead the nation. “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” 1 Timothy 2:1-2 Day Nine – Monday, January 23 Regional Leadership: Pray for our State, County, and City Leaders to have wisdom and focus fiscally and morally. “But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.” Jeremiah 29:7
Day Ten – Tuesday, January 24 National and Regional Renewal (Revival): Pray for national and area renewal and for a greater awareness of the need of Jesus Christ. “Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?” Psalm 85:6 Day Eleven – Wednesday, January 25 National and World Events: Spend some time praying for contemporary national and world events as mentioned in the news. Consider how Christ might be seen and glorified through difficult circumstances. “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” 1 Peter 5:8-9 Day Twelve – Thursday, January 26 Peace among the Nations: Pray for the nations of the world to experience the peace of Christ. That even those who are experiencing chaos and turmoil would seek the glory and peace of Christ. “Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the people!” Psalm 96:3 Day Thirteen – Friday, January 27 Pray for the Spread of the Gospel to Foreign Nations: Pray that the gospel would be shared to every nation…especially the unreached people groups of the world. Pray for church planters and missionaries to be sent to these far reaching areas. “For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything.” 1 Thessalonians 1:8 Day Fourteen – Saturday, January 28 Pray for the Persecuted Church around the World: Consider and pray for our brothers and sisters facing persecution around the world. Pray for endurance and strength to stay faithful to the gospel. “Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body.” Hebrews 13:3
Pray for the Church - The Praise of God in the Church Day Fifteen – Sunday, January 29 Unity and Harmony of the Church: Pray for Grace Point and area churches to be unified in our purpose to make disciples. Pray for our semi-annual Ministry Celebration and Business Meeting tonight, that information may be communicated accurately and clearly to our church family, and we may give God great glory for the things He is doing among us! “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called…eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:1, 3 Day Sixteen – Monday, January 30 An increase in the Body of Christ: Pray that there would be an increase of both unsaved and un-churched people (those far from God) making decisions for Christ, being baptized, and serving the Body of Christ. “This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:3-4 Day Seventeen – Tuesday, January 31 Missionaries around the World: Pray for the spread of the gospel around the world and for missionaries on the front lines of church-planting, Biblical training, and compassion ministries. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20 Day Eighteen – Wednesday, February 1 Protection from Division, Strife, and False Doctrine: The reality is…all eyes are on the church. The potential for division and disruption is high. Pray for protection for our church family. “Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from harm so that it might not bring me pain! And God granted what he asked.” 1 Chronicles 4:10 Day Nineteen – Thursday, February 2 Marriages and Families in the Body of Christ: The health of the church is defined by the health of the family. Marriage and family are under grave attack. Pray for marriages and families in our church and area. “…praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayers and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.” Ephesian 6:18 Day Twenty – Friday, February 3 Purpose and Vision of the Church: Pray for the church’s purpose and vision of helping more people become fully committed followers of Jesus Christ…and for your role in fulfilling that vision. Pray for our elders and wives as they gather tonight to begin an elder retreat. Pray for God to bring great unity around His purposes and bring glory to Himself through the work of Grace Point. “The whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.” Ephesians 4:15-16 Day Twenty-one – Saturday, February 4 Church Leaders for Wisdom and Direction: Pray that Grace Point staff and elders will be filled with God’s wisdom and direction for the church. That they would have bold vision and strategic planning for the Kingdom of God. Continue to pray as the staff joins the elders this morning – pray for great communication, understanding, effective working relationships between these two leadership groups. Pray that God reveals His will for the future in an exciting and clear way. “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.” Hebrews 13:7
THE BENEFITS OF FASTING ARE NUMEROUS AND INCLUDE:
Going without food, water, or specific meals and activities for the purpose of spiritual renewal and focus. There are four types of fasts referred to in the Bible.
Deepened humility
Increased hunger for God to work
Intensified prayer concentration
Radically pursuing God’s vision and direction for His church and our lives
Heightened expectancy of faith and effectiveness in prayer
Greater receptivity to the Spirit of God at work within and through our lives
Earnestness and zeal to give oneself to God and live for the advance of His Kingdom
Normal fast- going without food for up to 40 days (Ex. 34:28; Ezra 8:21, 23: Dan. 6:18; Luke 2:37; Mark 2:18; Matt. 4:2; Acts 13:2-3, 14:23 and others) Partial fast- abstaining from certain foods (Daniel 10:3) Absolute fast- going without food or water no more than 3 days (Esther 4:16, this is very rare in the Bible) Voluntary group fast- called for a specific reason for a specific group of people (1 Samuel 7:6: 2; Chronicles 20:3; Jonah 3:5 and others)
Please Remember:
Fasting is not so much about food as it is about focus. Fasting is not so much about saying no to the body as it is about saying yes to the Spirit. Fasting is not about doing without, it is about looking within. Fasting is an outward response to an inward attitude and cry of the soul.
“Prayer is the one hand with which we grasp the Invisible; fasting the other, with which we let loose and cast away the visible.” Andrew Murray
“When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.” Matthew 6:16
21 Days of Prayer & Fasting Dear Grace Point family, As we enter a new year, I am excited to join with you in prayer for Grace Point’s future. We gather as a family to do God’s work, and it is imperative that we spend time with God seeking His will and His resources to carry out His will. Please consider adding a fast to your commitment to pray over the next three weeks. Fasting creates space for God to fill, and we need more of Him! You might choose to give up a particular food, or creature comfort, or form of entertainment as you ask God to guide and bless and reveal His will to us. In just three years we will begin the year 2020 – I am asking the Lord to reveal His 2020 Vision for us! The next several weeks is a key time to intercede for our leadership as staff and elders meet to dream about what God would have us do. Let’s join together to see many lives Raised from Ruins!
To hear a message on fasting go to www.gracepointpa.org and select November 20, 2016.
Dave Wolf, on behalf of the Grace Point Staff and Elders 592 Washington Crossing Road Newtown, PA 18940 215-968-2354 www.gracepointpa.org
Pray for Self - The Holiness of God in our Lives Day One – Sunday, January 15 Hunger: As you begin praying and fasting, pray that you would have a hunger for the things of God…His Word, His righteousness, His will. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” Matthew 5:6 Day Two – Monday, January 16 Repentance: Spend some time reflecting on your areas of weakness. Do you have unconfessed sin? Are there actions you need to change? Repentance means an internal change of heart that leads to an external change of action. Confess your sin and allow Christ to change your actions. “For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.” 2 Corinthians 7:10
Day Three – Tuesday, January 17 Brokenness: Fasting is certainly difficult…as a result brokenness is not only possible but expected. As you pray, allow God to break you as He desires. Remember that brokenness before God leads to a deeper understanding of blessedness in God. Please pray for today’s Staff Strategy Meeting as they evaluate GP strategic goals for the current year, and dream about what God has for the future. “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” Psalm 51:17 Day Four – Wednesday, January 18 Temptation: Prayer and fasting puts you in direct conflict with the enemy of this age, Satan. This battle is not about food, drink, or activity, but is a battle for the focus of your soul. Take a moment and ask the Lord to give you strength to endure temptation. “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” Ephesians 6:10-11 Day Five – Thursday, January 19 Grace: Grace is not only what we need for salvation, but it’s also extremely necessary for strength and focus. Grace not only saves…but delivers. Pray for an overwhelming understanding of God’s grace toward you. Please pray for the elders as they meet tonight – that God will give them hearts to love the Lord, minds to discern His will, and the will to obey. “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 Day Six – Friday, January 20 Faith: Faith isn’t merely realizing there is a better day ahead, it’s what’s necessary to get there. Pray for your faith to increase during this journey. Pray that our new President and other national leaders would lead by faith in the True God. “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” Hebrews 11:6 Day Seven – Saturday, January 21 Contentment: Fasting always reminds us of what we actually have. Food is readily available in our culture…in fact there is abundance. Learn contentment without complacency. Are you finding yourself content? “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.” Philippians 4:11-12
Pray for the Nations - The Glory of God throughout the World Day Eight – Sunday, January 22 United States and World Leaders: Pray for the President, Congress, and World Leaders…for peace and wisdom as they lead the nation. “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” 1 Timothy 2:1-2 Day Nine – Monday, January 23 Regional Leadership: Pray for our State, County, and City Leaders to have wisdom and focus fiscally and morally. “But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.” Jeremiah 29:7
Day Ten – Tuesday, January 24 National and Regional Renewal (Revival): Pray for national and area renewal and for a greater awareness of the need of Jesus Christ. “Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?” Psalm 85:6 Day Eleven – Wednesday, January 25 National and World Events: Spend some time praying for contemporary national and world events as mentioned in the news. Consider how Christ might be seen and glorified through difficult circumstances. “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” 1 Peter 5:8-9 Day Twelve – Thursday, January 26 Peace among the Nations: Pray for the nations of the world to experience the peace of Christ. That even those who are experiencing chaos and turmoil would seek the glory and peace of Christ. “Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the people!” Psalm 96:3 Day Thirteen – Friday, January 27 Pray for the Spread of the Gospel to Foreign Nations: Pray that the gospel would be shared to every nation…especially the unreached people groups of the world. Pray for church planters and missionaries to be sent to these far reaching areas. “For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything.” 1 Thessalonians 1:8 Day Fourteen – Saturday, January 28 Pray for the Persecuted Church around the World: Consider and pray for our brothers and sisters facing persecution around the world. Pray for endurance and strength to stay faithful to the gospel. “Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body.” Hebrews 13:3
Pray for the Church - The Praise of God in the Church Day Fifteen – Sunday, January 29 Unity and Harmony of the Church: Pray for Grace Point and area churches to be unified in our purpose to make disciples. Pray for our semi-annual Ministry Celebration and Business Meeting tonight, that information may be communicated accurately and clearly to our church family, and we may give God great glory for the things He is doing among us! “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called…eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:1, 3 Day Sixteen – Monday, January 30 An increase in the Body of Christ: Pray that there would be an increase of both unsaved and un-churched people (those far from God) making decisions for Christ, being baptized, and serving the Body of Christ. “This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:3-4 Day Seventeen – Tuesday, January 31 Missionaries around the World: Pray for the spread of the gospel around the world and for missionaries on the front lines of church-planting, Biblical training, and compassion ministries. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20 Day Eighteen – Wednesday, February 1 Protection from Division, Strife, and False Doctrine: The reality is…all eyes are on the church. The potential for division and disruption is high. Pray for protection for our church family. “Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from harm so that it might not bring me pain! And God granted what he asked.” 1 Chronicles 4:10 Day Nineteen – Thursday, February 2 Marriages and Families in the Body of Christ: The health of the church is defined by the health of the family. Marriage and family are under grave attack. Pray for marriages and families in our church and area. “…praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayers and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.” Ephesian 6:18 Day Twenty – Friday, February 3 Purpose and Vision of the Church: Pray for the church’s purpose and vision of helping more people become fully committed followers of Jesus Christ…and for your role in fulfilling that vision. Pray for our elders and wives as they gather tonight to begin an elder retreat. Pray for God to bring great unity around His purposes and bring glory to Himself through the work of Grace Point. “The whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.” Ephesians 4:15-16 Day Twenty-one – Saturday, February 4 Church Leaders for Wisdom and Direction: Pray that Grace Point staff and elders will be filled with God’s wisdom and direction for the church. That they would have bold vision and strategic planning for the Kingdom of God. Continue to pray as the staff joins the elders this morning – pray for great communication, understanding, effective working relationships between these two leadership groups. Pray that God reveals His will for the future in an exciting and clear way. “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.” Hebrews 13:7
